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Minnesota Vikings' next opponent, Chicago Bears, all shook up at QB and on line

Associated Press

Posted:
11/21/2012 12:01:00 AM CST

Updated:
11/21/2012 11:11:31 PM CST

If he does play against the Vikings on Sunday, Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is going to need his offensive line to step up and protect him, which didn't happen on this play against the Lions on Oct. 22, when Cutler was injured on a hit by Detroit defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/MCT)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- The Chicago Bears will not know until at least Thursday, Nov. 22, and possibly Friday whether quarterback Jay Cutler will play against the Vikings on Sunday.

They know for certain some things will change within the offense.

Cutler, who has missed the past 1-1/2 games because of a concussion, will go through a limited practice Thursday, then could get the go-ahead for a full practice Friday and for Sunday's game.

Cutler said he feels fine, is symptom-free and hopes to get medical approval to play.

To make sure Cutler or backup Jason Campbell is properly protected, the Bears are considering changes at offensive tackle. They allowed six sacks to the 49ers on Monday night and have given up 34 this season, second only to Arizona (44).

"There's never job security when you put up a performance like that across the board," center Roberto Garza said.

Starting left guard Chilo Rachal has been placed on the reserve/left team list for personal reasons that were not disclosed. As a result, either Chris Spencer or Edwin Williams could start at left guard against Jared Allen and the rest of the Vikings.

There could be change coming at tackle, as well, after right tackle Gabe Carimi and left tackle J'Marcus Webb both struggled against the 49ers.

Offensive coordinator Mike Tice said veteran tackle Jonathan Scott, acquired in early September after playing for Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Buffalo in a seven-year career, has the ability to start at tackle.

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"I have been in meetings for the last three months, so I've been paying attention," Scott said. "I believe I am ready."

Carimi, the 2011 first-round draft pick from Wisconsin, was beaten several times by 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith and never has looked 100 percent after offseason knee surgery.

"He gets all worked up and he doesn't settle down, and it compounds it," Tice said. "It's happened more than once. It compounds and it keeps building."

Webb has started at left tackle the past two seasons after starting at right tackle as a rookie.

"You know, it all boils down to him, when he uses his hands," Tice said. "He's OK. He's not bad. And the few times this game that he used his hands, he blocked his guy. But when he doesn't use his hands, he's just a big, tall guy out there getting edgy and getting knocked around."

With the offense now ranked 30th in the league and the passing attack 31st, Tice is searching for answers.